On Tuesday evening, my phone started buzzing nonstop, with texts, emails, and messages all asking the same thing: What does this new Executive Order on IVF actually mean?
President Trump’s Executive Order (EO) on “Expanding Access to In Vitro Fertilization (IVF)” directs the Assistant to the President for Domestic Policy to develop recommendations within 90 days on “protecting IVF access and aggressively reducing out-of-pocket and health plan costs for IVF treatment.”
That’s all we know for now.
So, what does it actually mean?
The order demonstrates that access to fertility treatment should be a bipartisan issue, but it does not make any immediate policy changes and is short on specifics. At best, this is a first step toward addressing the crisis of IVF affordability and access in the United States.
If you’ve seen inaccurate headlines like “Trump Signs Order to Make IVF Free,” I urge caution. We know that while hope is a powerful force in the fertility community, it is also a fickle friend. The excitement on social media is understandable — when access to fertility treatment is so limited, it’s natural to feel optimistic about any sign of progress. But misinformation only adds stress and frustration.
The reality is that the majority of states lack fertility insurance laws, and for many, the cost of IVF remains insurmountable. The order acknowledges those challenges — but we need real action to solve them.
At AllPaths Family Building, we are deeply invested in what this means for people currently navigating fertility and family building challenges, particularly those with no or limited access to treatment. Advocacy fuels our work, and we are committed to ensuring that fertility care is not just acknowledged but meaningfully expanded.
If this EO signals a genuine effort to improve access, we are ready to engage. But trust is earned through actions, not words.
Reactions have been mixed — and that’s understandable
Since the EO was signed, I’ve had countless conversations — with colleagues, advocacy partners, friends, and yes, quite a few one-sided discussions with my dog. (He’s giving me that look that says, “I love you, but please stop talking about this.”)
People’s reactions have been all over the map — and I get it. Some are celebrating because they see any federal acknowledgment of IVF as a step in the right direction. Others are profoundly skeptical, worried that this is performative rather than substantive, and even that harm could be done. And then there are those who don’t know how to feel yet, waiting for more details before forming an opinion.
No matter where you fall on that spectrum, one thing is certain: we need more information. The EO is a statement of intent, not policy change. How will the administration attempt to lower IVF costs? Will this lead to changes that are positive or negative? Or will it quietly disappear? These are questions that only time — and persistent advocacy — will answer.
Why some are cautious about this announcement
It’s no secret that our political climate is deeply polarized, and reactions to this EO reflect that. Many are concerned, and I share these concerns, considering other policy moves by this administration, including ones that contradict the order’s stated goal.
If you believe in an America where everyone has the freedom to decide if, when, and how to grow their family, then it’s impossible to ignore the conflict between expanding access to IVF while simultaneously proposing policies that restrict reproductive rights. For example, efforts to legally define embryos as people could make IVF impossible as we know it.
Beyond that, there’s the question of who this policy will actually help. Will it lower costs for people who already have some insurance coverage but struggle with high deductibles? Will it extend coverage to people whose plans currently exclude IVF altogether? Will it consider the needs of LGBTQ+ individuals, single parents by choice, and others who are often overlooked in fertility laws?
Expanding access to fertility treatment cannot come at the cost of safety, effectiveness, or standard of care. It must be accessible to everyone, without discrimination based on income, geography, sexual orientation, gender identity, or relationship status.
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What you can do right now
This moment calls for action — not just waiting to see what happens. Here’s how you can get involved:
- Stay informed: In the weeks and months ahead, follow updates from sources that are monitoring this situation closely. AllPaths is one of them, as we will continue to share fact-based analysis and advocacy opportunities.
- Contact your elected officials: This is key. Whether at the local, state, or federal levels, make sure policymakers hear your voice. If you don’t know who represents you, a quick online search for “Who are my legislators?” will point you in the right direction. Call or email their offices to share why protecting and expanding access to fertility care is vital to you. Even if you’re nervous about reaching out, your voice matters and makes a difference. I promise it is easier than you think.
- Lean on your community: If staying on top of policy changes feels overwhelming, connect with organizations you trust. It’s easy to get caught up in sensational headlines, but it’s critical to separate fact from speculation. You are not alone in your family building journey, and you are not alone in advocating for positive change.
- Volunteer your time: If this issue matters to you, consider working with advocacy organizations to expand fertility access. Whether it’s helping with community outreach, sharing your story, or assisting with policy efforts, your voice and time can make a difference.
The bottom line: this is just the beginning
This is a moment that could lead to real change — or it could fade into political noise. Either way, now is the time to stay engaged, ask tough questions, and demand action.
In the meantime, I’ll keep reading, analyzing, and talking this through — with you, with colleagues, and yes, even with my dog. Because this conversation is far from over — and we will keep fighting for true fertility access reform.
Kate Weldon LeBlanc is the Executive Director of AllPaths Family Building, a non-profit organization dedicated to providing emotional support, educational resources and advocacy for all those facing fertility and family building challenges. Kate and her husband Joe experienced infertility and pregnancy loss. They are the grateful parents of their now-17 year old daughter Sophie because of IVF. To connect with Kate and AllPaths, check out @allpathsfb on socials, head to their website or email admin@allpathsfb.org.
